RACING REVIEWED

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1461, 25 April 1918, Page 9

RACING REVIEWED

MANAWATU RACING CLUB.

A RECORD GATHERING. TRIALS WINS AUTUMN HANDICAP. DESERT GOLD ANNEXES AWAPUNI GOLD CUP. Ever since it became known that a meeting between Desert Gold and Biplane in the Awapuni Gold Cup was likely to eventuate, the autumn meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club was regarded in sporting circles throughout the Dominion as an attraction that no turf enthusiast could afford to miss, the opportunity of witnessing these widely discussed champions measure strides in the mile and a-quarter race influencing thousands of racegoers from all parts of the Dominion to make a special trip to Awapuni last week in connection with the club’s autumn fixture. The scratching of Biplane on the eve of the contest, and the unparalleled demonstrations of public disapproval and disappointment that followed this eleventh hour proceeding—which was severely censured by the officials of the club —are now a matter of history, as is also Desert Gold’s third successive victory in the Awapuni Gold Cup, which as was to be expected in the circumstances led to one of the most notable outbursts of popular enthusiasm ever witnessed on a New Zealand racecourse. With ideal weather on Wednesday and easily a record attendance, including a number of visitors from Australia, it required but a keen and enjoyable afternoon’s racing to make the opening day of the Manawatu Racing Club’s autumn meeting an eventful one in the annals of the New .Zealand turf, and as matters turned •out the sport proved fully in keeping with the auspicious occasion, being marked by a standard of excellence it would be difficult to surpass. The fields for the various events were well above the average, and that Mr. J. E. Henrys had capably assessed the merits of the large number of horses engaged at the fixture was plainly apparent by the exciting finishes which resulted, the racing throughout being of a highly interesting character, while, excluding Desert Gold’s anticipated victory in the big weight-for-age race, only two favourites managed to catch the judge’s eye. Special provision had been made for the accommodation of the record attendance at Awapuni by the energetic secretary, Mr. J. M. Johnston, and other officials of the club, all arrangements working with that commendable degree of smoothness associated with past meetings of this go-ahead racing body. The totalisator staff was called upon to handle a very substantial sum, and when the figures were totalled up after the last race it was found that no less than £45,913 had passed through the machine, as : against £18,002 on the opening day of the 1917 autumn gathering, which was held in May, an increase of £27,911, easily a one-day record for the club. The stewards were called together ■on four occasions during the afternoon. The principal matter to engage their attention was the scratching of Biplane, which resulted in a motion of censure being passed upon the owner and trainer of the Comedy King colt for their withdrawal of the horse on the eve of the Awapuni Gold Cup. Other complaints considered were the running of Record in the Karere Hurdles, in which the horse in question was started in ordinary shoes, a satisfactory explanation being given by the owner when the case came up for further hearing on the second day; the action of W. Young, rider of the favourite, Ibex, in being badly left at the post in the Woodhey Hack Handicap, and the lack of control at the barrier of the contestants in the Autumn Handicap, the consideration of the latter two complaints being adjourned. The first event to claim attention was the Karere Hurdles Handicap, from which Arlington, Want, Mahzoltov, Lord Nelson, Jiu Jitsu and Nita were withdrawn, leaving a field of a dozen to go to the post. Vacuum was elected a better favourite than Paul Moore, with Lord Ainslie, Prince Delaware and Sir Fisher all well supported. Prince Delaware set out to make the pace, and was in the lead

at the initial obstacle, but lost his position as the result of a faulty jump, while The Summit ran off at this early stage of the contest. Lord Ainslie took up the running and led past the stand, with Otter, Sir Fisher, Foeman and Tauira running next in the order named. Going along the back the positions were subject to considerable change, Tauira and Vacuum being taken to the front, with Sir Fisher and Paul Moore best placed of the others. Vacuum headed Tauira three-quarters of a mile from home, and the pair were several lengths in advance of Sir Fisher entering the home straight. A splendid race to the judge’s box saw Sir Fisher defeat Vacuum by half a length, Paul Moore, who finished fast, being two lengths away third. Tauira was fourth, followed by Prince Delaware. Sixteen hacks came out to contest the Maiden Plate, the defections being Self Alliance, Toddy, Maniwhere, Cyresian and Marlama. The Tara-naki-owned mare, Winning Shot, was always a pronounced favourite from the moment betting commenced, her two seconds at Feilding at Easter being fresh in the minds of backers. Of the others, the chances of Skedaddle, Royal Reign and Tiranga were most fancied. E. Reid got the favourite away smartly, and once the field settled down the daughter of Signor was seen to be striding along freely at the head of affairs, Tiranga and Matatua being most prominent of the others. Winning Shot fully bore

out the expectations of her backers, winning handily by a length and ahalf from Tiranga, with Matatua half a length away, third. Turpenite was fourth.

The large field of 27 acceptors for the Autumn Handicap was only reduced by two as the result of Ladify and Hydrus declining their engagements. Volo’s win in the Makino Welter Handicap on the concluding day of the Feilding meeting caused the son of Husbandman to go out a strong favourite, Nobleman, Gang Awa’, Glorify and Red Ribbon being next best backed in that order. The start was delayed for a long interval owing to liberties taken by many of the riders in repeatedly changing about at the post, and when the big field eventually did leave it was to a far from satisfactory despatch, several candidates having their chances spoilt at the barrier. Probation was in the lead passing the stands, with Multaine, Comment and Tressida as her nearest opponents, Orleans being last. Probation acted as pilot going out of the straight and maintained her position along the back, but racing to the straight entrance Comment went to the front, and was first to turn for home, Trials, Teka and Gold Soult all being handy at this stage. Trials was in the lead when the stands were reached, and, finishing gamely, stalled off a determined challenge from the little-fancied Teka, whom he defeated by two lengths, Gold Soult, who ran a sterling race, being only half a length away, third. Comment was fourth and Gang Awa’ fifth.

Karo and Oratress were withdrawn from the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, in which Finmark, who was

bracketed with Killowen, was a very hot favourite, Heathercote and Torfreda being the only others of the nine runners to claim any degree of support. Torfreda was smartest on her feet, and the full sister to Ilymestra looked like winning from end to end, but Finmark, by dint of his brilliant finishing powers, managed to get up in time to defeat Mr. A. McDonald’s filly by half a head after a phenomenal burst of speed in the straight. Active was two lengths away third, and Kilmoon fourth, followed by Informal and Heathercote, whose display was distinctly disappointing after the good accounts of his prowess which preceded his arrival in Palmerston. The Linton Hack Welter attracted no less than 17 starters, Queen Lizzie, Master Strowan, Whiro, Lady Mylchreest, Torchlight, Poka, Half Blue and Knockmore not being saddled up for the event. Warmth, with H. Gray in the saddle, was installed a good favourite, with the Auckland representative, Demotic, who had the services of B. Deeley, next in demand, others who figured prominently in the betting being Midnight Star, Colorado and Consultation. Gray got the favourite away in advance of the field, with Pervolo and Occasion as his nearest attendants, the trio being at the head of affairs passing the stands the first time. Going along the back stretch Rienzi, Midnight Star and Moutoa Camp improved their positions, the trio being handy to Warmth and Pervola as the straight was en-

tered. A splendid race ensued to the post, Moutoa Camp gaining a popular victory by a length and a half from Rienzi, with Midnight Star a similar distance away third. Quinn’s Post was fourth, and Demotic, who received a bad passage throughout, fifth. Biplane and Estland comprised the only withdrawals from the Awapuni Gold Cup, the starters being Desert Gold, Bisogne, Menelaus, Koesian, and Impediment. Mr. Lowry’s crack mare was the only contestant to claim serious attention from backers, though a little money was invested on Impediment and Menelaus. The favourite, who was making her third appearance in the Awapuni Gold Cup, began with her accustomed smartness, and had a slight advantage of Koesian passing the stands, but going along the back she was two lengths in front of her rivals, the nearest of whom were Koesian, Menelaus and Impediment. She increased her lead in the run to the straight entrance, which she negotiated in advance of Menelaus and Impediment. Her victory was well assured at this stage, and she had no difficulty in winning by three lengths from Menelaus, a similar distance after whom came Impediment, with Koesian fourth and Bisogne last. A quartette in Melita, Mystified, Rising Tide and Knockmore failed to come out for the Woodley Hack Handicap, in which 25 faced the starter, including the Aucklander, Blue Cross, who, however, came in for little support. A warm favourite was found in the much boomed Ibex, who had the services of W. Young, Formline, Engari and Ayah next best in demand

of the others. The start proved a disappointment to backers of the favourite, Ibex being badly left when the tapes lifted. Formline set out as pacemaker, with Livland at the head of the others. The former led into the straight, where Galore and Gold Problem were almost on terms with the Formative gelding, but in an exciting set-to Formaline got home by a length from Gold Problem, with Galore half a length away third. Idle Talk was fourth. The concluding event, the Telegraph Handicap, produced a field of 23, the defections being Parisian Diamond, Inah, Comment, Starengo, Sea Lord and Tirana. Deeley’s mount, Lady General, was a slightly better favourite than Turangapito, while others to receive good support were: Lady Black, Hyttus, Birkenvale, Hymestra, Croesus and Association. Turangapito showed a disinclination to come up to the barrier, while Staccato got rid of her rider and bolted, taking no part in the race, the start of which was delayed for some time. When the tapes were released Birkenvale, Lady General. Croesus and Astrophel were seen in the van, the favourite showing the way into the straight, and her victory looked almost certain when P. Brady brought Croesus along with a well-sustained run, which landed the half brother to Desert Gold a winner by a head from Lady General, Astor, who was paying a sensational price for a win, being a similar distance away, third. Croesus paid a

two-figure dividend, which, in view of the fact that since the defeated BoPeep and Desert Gold in the Kelburn Plate (four furlongs) at the Wellington meeting in February last, he has accounted for the chief sprint race at the last Wanganui and Napier Fark meetings, came as something in the nature of a surprise to followers of form, who are inclined to regard the son of Royal Fusilier as a doubtful stayer beyond five furlongs. The results were: — KARERE HURDLES of 200sovs; second 40sovs, third 20sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 5—J. Hurley’s hr g Sir Fisher, by Maniapoto — Dear Dolly, aged, 11.8 (A. Ward) 1 2 —Mr. Reprah’s blk g Vacuum, 4yrs, 9.9 (W. D. Young) 2 I—G. Appleyard’s b g Paul Moore, 6yrs, 9.5 (Stan. Reid) 3 Also started: 10 Otter 11.3 (K. Lambess), 11 Record 10.12 (F. Flynn), 4 Prince Delaware 9.13 (McSweeney), 9 St. Elmn 9.11 (R. Thompson) and Golden Glade 9.2 (Cameron) bracketed, 3 Lord Ainslie 9.9 (Bowden), 7 The Summit 9.7 (W. Bush). 6 Foeman 9.4 (McDonald), S Tauira 9.2 (Burt). Won by half a length, two lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 15 sec. MAIDEN PLATE of lOOsovs; second 20 sovs, third lOsovs. Seven furlongs. I—Goodwin and Alexander’s b m Winning Shot, by Signor—True Shot, 4yrs, 7.11 (E. Reid) 1 5—F. Hoskins’ br g Tiranga, 4yrs, 7.11 (McCarten) 2 15—F. Jensen’s b c Matatua, 2yrs, 6.12 (Armstrong) 3 Also started: 10 Poka 7.11 (W. Gray), 2 Skedaddle 7.11 (A. Thorner), 4 PapaHui 7.11 (Chapman), 9 Advanceful 7.11 (Towler), 10 Half Blue 7.11 (P. Raynor), 12 Lady Phyllis 7.11 (W. Manson), 6 March On 7.11 (W. McLean), 8 Royal Reign 7.11 (J. Barry), 3 Turpenite 7.11 (R. Eager), 14 Utuwai 7.11 (E. Reid), 13 Gloom 7.11 (G. Picken), 7 Justification 7.11 (T. Young), 4 Sunbright 7.11 (G. McEwan).

Won by a length and a-half, half a length between second and third. Time, lmin 29sec. AUTUMN HANDICAP of 400sovs; second SOsovs, third 40sovs. One mile and a furlong. 7—j. w. White’s br g Trials, by Tribulation — Opaline, syrs, 8.2 (C. Price) 1 19— J. Hart’s b g Teka, syrs, 8.9 (J. O’Shea) 2 6—J. H. Prosser’s br h Gold Soult, 6yrs, 8.1 (H. Gray) 3 Also started: 5 Red Ribbon 8.9 (B. Deeley), 9 Wishful 8.7 (Emerson). 2 Nobleman 8.6 (AV Bell), 17 Seadown 8.3 (A. Reed), 4 Glorify 7.: 3 (L. Nodder), 15 Miss Deval 7.11 (Ludlow), 12 Crowhurst 7.11 (H. Watson), 1 Volo 7.11 (H. Young), 12 Tressida 7.8 (G. Clarke), 3 Gang Awa’ 7.8 (McCarten), 20 Battle Son 7.7 (G. Young), 14 Orleans 7.3 (B. Morris), 8 Lady Louisa 7.1 (McEwan), 16 Hushman 7.0 (Ayres), 18 Kiltess 7.0 (C. Reed), 21 Multaine 6.11 (Corlett), 13 Probation 6.10 (L. Morris), 21 Good Hope 6.9 (C. Statton), 11 Comment 6.7 (Bagby). 10 White Blaze 6.7 (L. McDonald), 23 Detroit 6.7 (McLean), 22 Victoris 6.7 (P. Rayner). Won by two lengths, half a length between second and third. Time, lmin 54 l-ssec. MANAWATU SIRES’ PRODUCE STAKES (Tenth) of 600sovs; first 400sovs, second 75sovs, third 25sovs, nominator of sire of winner 75sovs, nominator of sire of second 25sovs. For two-year-olds. Six furlongs. I—T. H. Lowry’s ch c Finmark, by Finland — War Scare, 2yrs, 9.0 (J. O’Shea) 1 3—A. McDonald's b f Torfreda, 2yrs, 8.0 (H. Gray) 2 5 — W. E. Herbert’s ch c Active, 2yrs, 7.9 (R. Reed) 3 Also started: 1 Killowen 8.10 (Emerson) bracketed with Finmark, 4 Informal 8.6 (B. Deeley), 2 Heathercote 8.5 (G. Clarke). 6 Afterglow 7.6 (H. Watson), 8 Risingham 7.6 (Bagby), 7 Kilmoon 7.4 (L. Morris). Won by half a head, two lengths between second and third. Time, lmin 14sec. LINTON HACK WELTER of 130sovs; second 26sovs, third 13sovs. One mile and a distance. 6 — F. S. Easton’s b g Moutoa Camp, by Campfire—Branta, 4yrs, 7.7 (M. McCarten) 1 15 —H. Fuller’s b g Rienzi, syrs, 7.10 (L. Morris) 2 3—B. McCormick’s b g Midnight Star, aged, 8.13 (J. O’Shea) .... 3 Also started: 4 Colorado 9.13 (A. McDonald), 8 Polynesian 9.9 (Nodder), 2 Demotic 9.7 (Deeley), 7 Gipsy Gem 9.6 (C. Price), 13 Quinn’s Post 9.0 (Bagby), 1 Warmth 8.9 (H. Gray), 5 Consultation 8.9 (AV. Bell), 5 Elevate 8.8 (Kaan), 12 Idyllic 8.5 (Corlett), 13 Pervolo 8.4 (T. Young), 11 Lady Edith 8.1 (Horne), 9 Coalition 7.12 (A. Reed), 6 Belgian Maid 7.11 (B. Morris), 14 Occasion 7.7 (Mancer). Won by a length and a-half, a similar distance separating second and third. Time, lmin 57sec. AWAPUNI GOLD CUP of 575sovs (a cup value lOOsovs and 475sovs in specie); second lOOsovs, third 50sovs. One mile and a-quarter. 1— T. H. Lowry’s b m Desert Gold, by All Black —Aurarius, syrs, 9.0 (J. O’Shea) 1 3—V. and E. Riddiford’s b g Menelaus, 4yrs, 8.11 (A. Reed) 2 2— E. H. Baracq’s ch f Impediment, 3yrs, 8.4 (R. Reed) 3 Also started: 4 Bisogne 9.2 (Hatch). 3 Koesian 8.,11 (Emerson). Won easily by three lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Time, 2min 7 l-ssec. VIOODHEY HANDICAP of 130sovs. Six furlongs. 2 —Miller and Grom’s b g Formline, by Formative —Hapuka mare, 5 yrs, 7.2 (R. Reed) 1 12 —E. Nash’s Gold Problem, 7.4 (F. Corlett) 2 5 —A. Cameron’s Galore, 8.4 (A. Reed) 3 Also started: 7 Queen Lizzie 8.13 (G. Clarke), 4 Ayah 8.13 (Deeley), 9 Rajput 8.11 (Emerson), 1 Ibex 8.11 (AV. Young), 14 Momac 8.6 (H. Young), 6 Blue Cross 8.6 (J. O’Shea), 3 Engari 8.5 (W. Bell), 19 Humorist 8.4 (C. Brown), 20 Pomeroy 8.2 (C. Price), ’5 Imaribbon 8.0 (Bagby), 11 Wapping 7.13 (R. Manson). 13 Marenga 7.12 (McFlinn), 10 Orawia 7.9 (AVatson), 18 Exclusive 7.8, 8 White Ranger 7.6 (M.McCarten), 24 Crosswords 7.4 (McLean), 16 Idle Talk 7.2 (Metcalfe), 22 Blue Gown 6.12 (Styles), 23 Royal Park 6.10 (McEwan), 25 Romance 6.9 (F. Gosper), 21 Miss Margaret 6.9 (C. Reed), 17 Livland 6.9 (L. Morris). Won by a length, half a length between second and third. Time, lmin 15sec. TELEGRAPH HANDICAP of 300sovs. Six furlongs. 7— G. F. Hardy’s b g Croesus, by Royal Fusilier —Aurarius, 6yrs, 9.13 (P. Brady) 1 I—F.1 —F. Higgins’ Lady General, 8.6 (B. Deeley) 2 20 — A. Ogle’s Astor. 6.10 (G. McLean) 3 Also started: 6 Hymestra 9.9 (Campbell), 9 Form Up 9.6 (W. Young), 13 Acre 8.10 (C. Price), 5 Birkenvale 8.2 (Clarke), 2 Turingapito 8.1 (Nodder), 4 Lady Black 7.13 (A. Reed), 3 Hyttus 7.13 (AVatson), 12 Astrophel 7.12 (H. Young) and Ohiwia 7.2 (Corlett) coupled, 10 Bonnie Maid 7.9 (McFlinn), 14 Gamecock 7.7 (G. Young), 15 Jean Laddo 7.6 (A. Morris), 16 Hyginas 7.5 (R. Reed), 19 Staccato- 7.3 (Stratton), 17 Rawakore 7.3 (F. Johnston), 18 Avon Park 6.11 (Hayes), 11 Vermillion 6.10 (C. Reed), 21 George 6.10 (Bagby), 8 Association 6.10 (C. Morris). 22 Hushabye 6.7 (McLean). ' AVon by a head, a similar distance between second and third. Time, lmin 14 3-ssec.

CONCLUDING DAY.

BONNIE MAID WINS LONGBURN HANDICAP. HYMESTRA THE STAKES. The meeting was concluded on Thursday, the weather remaining fine and a very large crowd again being present to witness the racing, which proved exceedingly interesting. When the acceptances were made public it was seen that Desert Gold had been withdrawn from the Manawatu

Stakes, Mr. Lowry electing to start Estland in the event in question, while the appearance of Biplane’s name in the list of acceptors caused a flutter of excitement among the crowd. Having regard to the feeling which Biplane’s scratching had aroused among the club’s patrons, Mr. G. D. Greenwood, owner of the colt, asked the stewards of the club to express an opinion regarding the desirability of starting Biplane in his engagement. The stewards replied that in view of the popular excitement and the possibility of an unseemly demonstration by the crowd, Mr. Greenwood would be well advised not to start his horse, but in the event of him thinking fit to start his horse the stewards assured Mr. Greenwood that every precaution in their power would be taken to protect him, his trainer and his horse from insult or possible injury. In the circumstances Mr. Greenwood decided that Biplane should not take his place among the field for the Manawatu Stakes. Brisk business was recorded on the totalisator, £45,397 being handled during the afternoon, making a total of £91,310 for the meeting, compared with £39,378 at the last autumn gathering, an increase of £51,932. Iceberg, who won the two principal flat handicaps at the Feilding Easter meeting, was made a good favourite for the Kairanga Hurdles, in which Paul Moore, Lord Ainslie and Otter were next best backed of the other ten contestants. Otter, Lord Ainslie and Paul Moore were the early leaders, while Iceberg spoilt his chances by faulty jumping. Lord Ainslie was in front of Otter and Paul Moore at the home turn, and the trio provided an exciting struggle up the straight, in which Coalition joined, Paul Moore staying on best in a desperate finish, securing the verdict by a head from Lord Ainslie, a length after whom came Coalition, who finished very strongly and should take a prominent part in cross-country contests this season. Otter was fourth. All of the 24 acceptors for the Stonyhurst Welter took their places in the field, Mr. J. Bull’s consistent performer. All Over, being entrusted with most support, Probation, White Blaze, Astor, Comment and Glorify all having their respective followings. After a tedious delay the field were despatched to an uneven start, Multaine, Astor, George, All Over and Hushman being quickest on their feet. Multaine was in front as the field raced along the back, but was displaced by Astor crossing the top, the latter showing the way into the straight from Hushman, All Over and Multaine. B. Deeley kept Astor hard at it in the run to the post, the veteran Coronet gelding responding in his best style, gaining the judge’s verdict by half a length from the fast-finishing Vermillion, a similar distance after whom came Ohiwia. Hushman was fourth. Another big field was seen out in the Awa Handicap, 23 facing the starter, the Auckland representative, Demotic, being among the number. Mr. F. S. Easton’s promising gelding Moutoa Camp had the call over his opponents in the betting, Midnight Star, Gipsy Gem, Warmth and Demotic also being solidly supported. Consultation and Hastie were the first to break the line, but Turpenite ran to the front racing along the back stretch, and was still in front as the field turned for home, Wapping being the most prominent of the others. In the run to the judge’s box, Wapping withstood the determined challenges of Midnight Star and Rienzi, defeating the former by a length, Rienzi being a length and a-half away third. Turpenite was fourth. The winner returned a substantial dividend. When the number were framed for the Manawatu Stakes it was seen that Biplane, Birkenvale, Impediment, Hyttus, Crowhurst and Gamecock were missing from the list of starters for the six furlong event, the following quartette being saddled up: Hymestra, Nystad, Estland and Koesian. Estland’s prospects were preferred to those of Hymestra, but the son of Finland failed badly to justify the good opinion held of him, and was never in a position to flatter his backers. Hymestra was quickest away, and outpaced his opponents from start to finish, winning comfortably by a couple of lengths from Nystad, a length after whom came Estland, who was galloping on well at the finish. Thirteen two-year-olds came out to do battle in the Cloverlea Handicap, Torfreda being installed an odds-on favourite, the Auckland filly, Arch Lassie, being second choice, followed by Palm Oil, Tit Willow and Philomela. Informal and Heathercote were included in the field, but neither were in favour with backers, and failed to reproduce their form of earlier in the

season. Gray shot Torfreda out smartly when the tapes lifted, and never allowed the field to get within striking distance at any part of the journey, scoring an easy win by over a length from the consistent Philomela, with Tit Willow three lengths away, third. Oratress was fourth. Bisogne was the only withdrawal from the Longburn Handicap, in which there were 14 starters. The Great Northern St. Leger winner. Bonnie Maid, who again had the services of A. J. McFlinn, was generally conceded to be well treated with her 7.9 impost, and she was sent out a good favourite, the best backed of the others being Teka, Gold Soult, Red Ribbon, Volo, Ladogeur, Nobleman and Wishful. The favourite was first to show out, but when the field settled down Hushman had charge from Orleans, with Bonnie Maid lying third. Racing to the straight entrance Bonnie Maid rushed to the front, Hushman being her nearest attendant, with Teka, Tressida and Volo most prominent of the others. The quintette named had the finish to themselves, a splendid race resulting in Bonnie Maid prevailing by a neck from Volo, Tressida being a head away third, and Teka fourth. Bonnie Maid’s time was 2min. 5 l-ssec., equalling Chortle’s record for the course, established in the 1915 Awapuni Gold Cup. Blue Cross, Gold Problem, Romance and Papanui were withdrawn from the Hack Flying Handicap, leaving a field of 22 to face the starter. Melita was accorded favouritism, with Formline, Galore, Engari and Winning Shot all well backed. Galore took up the running from the start, attended by Engari, and the pair practically had the race to themselves once the straight was entered, the former winning, by half a length. White Ranger was a similar distance away third. Sweet Corn failed to come out for her engagement in the Borough Handicap, a dozen ' sprinters being saddled up for the event, favouritism resting with Form Up, after whom Lady General, Lady Black and Staccato were most fancied in the betting. Lady General and Starengo were best served by the moderate start, with Staccato also well placed. Starengo was out in front negotiating the top stretch, with Association, Birkenvale and Acre all handy. Association had charge as they straightened up for the run to the post, an exciting race being witnessed, in which Acre, capably handled by C. Price, finished in resolute style, gaining a surprise victory from Association by a head, Starengo being a similar distance away third. Jean Laddo was fourth. None of the wellfancied candidates flattered the hopes of their supporters, the places being filled by outsiders. The results were: — KAIRANGA HURDLES of 200sovs. One mile and a-half. 2 — G. Appleyard’s b g Paul Moore, by St. Paul —Maggie Moore, 6 yrs, 9.9 (Stan. Reid) 1 3 — S. Kirkpatrick’s Lord Ainslie, 10.0 (W. Bowden) • • • - 7—V. and E. Riddiford’s Coalition, 9.0 (McSweeney) 3 Also started: 1 Iceberg 11.5 (Henderson), 4 Otter 11.1 (Lambess), 9 Record 11.0 (F. Flynn), 10 Reumac 9.9 (J. Hastie), 6 St. Elmn 9.9 (Thompson) and Golden Glade 9.0 (Cameron) bracketed, 5 The Summit 9.9 (W. Bush), 8 Nita 9.0 (Kaan). Won by a head, a length between second and third. Time, 2min 47sec. STONYHURST WELTER of 250sovs. Seven furlongs. 4— A. Ogle’s b g Astor, by Coronet —Clonpett, aged, 7.13 (Deeley) . . 1 12 —G. Spencer’s Vermillion, 7.3 (C. Reed) 2 10 —W. 11. Gaisford’s Ohiwia, 8.11 (H. Young) 3 Also started: 6 Glorify 8.13 (Emerson), 7 Lady Louisa 8.9 (C. Carmont), 9 Hushman 8.9 (L. Nodder), 2 Probation 8.6 (H. Gray), 17 Battle Song 8.6 (McFlinn), 5 Comment 8.6 (W. Young), 16 Kiltess 8.5 (Brady), 20 Welcome Nugget 8.4 (L. Morris), 15 George 8.4 (R. Reed). 14 ’Cello 8.3 (C. Price), 3 White Blaze 8.2 (J. O’Shea), 1 All Over 8.0 (B. Morris), 13 Multaine 7.13 (Corlett), 23 Ladify 7.12 (Ludlow), 11 Avon Park 7.12 (Ayers), 19 Hydrus 7.9 (Bagby), 18 Tirana 7.8 (Anderson), 21 Hushabye 7.7 (McEwan), 8 Polynesian 7.7 (Clarke), 24 Detroit 7.7 (G. Young), 22 Victoris 7.7 (R. Young). Won by half a length, a similar distance separating second and third. Hushman was fourth. Time, lmin 28sec. AWA HANDICAP of 130sovs. One mile and 55 yards. 10 —W. Simpson’s ch g Wapping, by Advance—Betsy, 4yrs, 8.9 (B. Mancer) 1 2—B. McCormick’s Midnight Star. 8.11 (J. O’Shea) 2 7—H. Fuller’s Rienzi, 7.12 (L. Morris) 3 Also started: 6 Hastie 9.6 (W. Young), 5 Demotic 9.4 (Deeley), 3 Gipsy Gem 9.3 (C. Price), 16 Rajput 9.3 (Emerson), 1J Quinn’s Post 8.11 (R. Reed). 8 Imaribbon 8.9 (Bagby), 9 Consultation 8.6 (W. Bell), 1 Moutoa Camp 8.6 (McCarten), 5 Warmth 8.6 (Gray), 17 Exclusive 7.13 (A. Reed), 12 Pervolo 7.13 (H. Young), 15 Lady Edith 7.11 (W. McEwan), 13 Tiranga 7.9 (Anderson), 19 Blue Gown 7.7 (Corlett), 14 Turpenite 7.7 (G. Clarke), 18 Royal Park 7.7 (Ayers). 21 Lady Phyllis 7.7 (E. Manson), 20 Justification 7.7 (G. Young), 22 Royal Reign 7.7 (Stratton), 21 Half Blue 7.7 (R. Young).

Won by a length, a length and a-half between second and third. Turpenite was fourth. Time, lmin 46sec. MANAWATU STAKES of 400sovs. Six furlongs. 2— -W. Kemball’s ch c Hymestra, by Hymettus—Straga, 3yrs, 9.5 (J. Campbell) 1 4 — j. Johnston’s Nystad, 9.7 (Clarke) 2 I—T. H. Lowry’s Estland, 9.5 (J. O'Shea) 3 Also started: 3 Koesian 9.0 (Emerson). Won by two lengths, a length between second and third. Time, lmin 14sec. CLOVERLEA HANDICAP of 250sovs. Five furlongs. I—A. McDonald’s b f Torfreda, by Hymettus—Straga, 2yrs, 9.0 (H. Gray) - • 1 5— W. Herbert’s Philomela, <.< (R. Reed) 2 , —j. Bull’s Tit Willow, 6.7 (L. Morris) 3 Also started: 7 Heathercote 8.10 (C. Emerson), 6 Informal 8.9 (Deeley), 11 Cherry Mart 7.13 (Clarke), 3 Palm Oil 7.12 (H. AVatson), 8 Oratress 7.7 (B. Morris), 2 Arch Lassie 7.2 (McEwan), 10 Kilmoon 7.2 (Bagby), 9 Taunaha 6.10 (R. Reed), 13 Risingham 6.7 (McCarten), 12 Gipsy Gem 6.7 (C. Reed). Won easily by a length, three lengths between second and third. Oratress was fourth. Time, lmin 1 l-ssec. LONGBURN HANDICAP of 400sovs. One mile and a-quarter. I — P. Soames’ b f Bonnie Maid, by Boniform — Happy Maid, 3yrs, 7.9 (McFlinn) 1 5 — F. Seiwood’s Volo, 7.7 (L. Morris) 2 12 —J. McLeod's Tressida, 7.6 (G. Clarke) 3 Also started: 2 Teka 8.12 (O’Shea), 4 Red Ribbon 8.7 (Deeley), 6 Ladoguer 8.7 (H. AVatson), 7 Nobleman 8.6 (W. Bell), 8 AVishful 5.5 (Emerson), 3 Gold Soult 7.13 (Gray), 9 Gang Awa’ 7.5 (M. McCarten), 10 Miss Deval 7.5 (R. Reed), 11 Orleans 6.12 (McEwan), 13 Hushman 6.8 (C. Reed), 14 Good Hope 6.7 (Bagby). Won by a neck, a head between second and third. Time, 2min 5 l-ssec. HACK FLYING HANDICAP of 130sovs. Six furlongs. 3 — A. Cameron’s ch m Galore, by All Black—Hazel, 4yrs, 8.3 (A. Reed) . 1 4 — -E. Short’s Engari. 8.2 (H. Gray) 2 II — AV. King’s AA r hite Ranger, 7.4 (McCarten) 3 Also started: 6 Ayah 8.10, 8 Queen Lizzie 8.10, 2 Formline 8.6. 1 Melita 8.3, 13 Momac 8.2, 5 Winning Shot 8.2, 12 Humorist 7.13, 5 Maringa 7.8, 7 Orawia 7.7, 10 Idle Talk 7.1, 19 Crosswords 6.13, 15 Skedaddle 6.10, 18 Occasion 6.9, 17 Miss Margaret 6.7, 9 Livland 6.7, 13 Gloam 6.7, 14 Sunbright 6.7, 20 Choice 6.7. Won by half a length. Time, lmin 14sec. BOROUGH HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. 9—-AV. Duncan’s b c Acre, by Linacre—Miss Arlington, 8.9 (C. Price) 1 6— AV. E. Bidwill’s Association. 6.9 (L. Morris) 2 12—W. Brown’s Starengo, 6.9 (McLean) ■ 3 Also started: 1 Form Up 9.4, 2 Lady General 8.13, 5 Crowhurst 8.8, 7 Birkenvaje 8.3, 3 Lady Black 8.0, 11 Gamecock 7.4, 8 Jean Laddo 7.3. 4 Staccato 7.2, 10 Rawakore 6.13. Heads only separated the placed horses. Time, lmin 14 l-ssec.